Augmented Reality in Underground Construction

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Augmented reality works by superimposing 3D digital objects in relation to the physical world. This works by having an augmented reality device scan a physical space and then creating an internal digital representation of this space that the AR device understands. An augmented reality headset is typically equipped with a series of cameras that continuously detect the real space around us. Once digital objects are placed, the device keeps their position locked in space (unless these objects are instructed to move). As a result, we are able to physically move around the digital objects that we have placed in the real 3D world.

In underground construction this could involve placing existing utilities, tunnels, or future piling in the actual field conditions before anything is being built. Alternatively, as we have done in HoloDeepEX, a model of an excavation can be prepared and we can physically move around our augmented reality deep excavation model. AR headsets are substantially more expensive, currently HoloDeepEX works with the Microsoft HoloLens glasses (developer edition costs from $3300).